Much like in the time of the Egyptian library, you can learn that a new thing exists - game, book, whatever - and find a podcast about it. In just a short time, you can become an expert on that subject, without all those pesky scrolls or weighty books to carry around.

"The Tome Show," is the kind of podcast that plunges fans of Dungeons and Dragons - the grandfather of tabletop role playing games, currently produced by Wizards of the Coast(WotC) - straight into a master-level dissertation. Topics of conversation include news and reviews of the latest D&D products as well as interviews with people from the role-playing game industry and gamers. Advice to players and Dungeon Masters is a signature part of "The Tome Show."

The hosts call it “a podcast by D&D fans, for D&D fans,” and it's one of the longest-running Dungeons & Dragons podcasts out there.

Jeff Greiner was the lone host of the show when it launched in October 2006. Sometimes-guest Tracy Hurley, a regular on D&D-related podcast, "4geeks4e" and the "DM Round Table", became a full time co-host in January, 2011. Rumor has it Greiner is paying her in Skittles.

Greiner picked up podcasting as a teacher in Omaha, Nebraska. The school where he worked had a strong working relationship with Apple and he was encouraged to learn and play with the company's podcasting technology.

After months of looking for an online D&D show, his fruitless search led him to start his own. "The Tome Show" was born. FULL POST

Here's a look at some of the stories that had master gamers and other computer-loving nerds geeking out this week:

Fez-O-Rama announced pre-orders for the D20 Fez. Embroidered in deep red on an even deeper red velvet background with the namesake number in gold. This elegant fez is the perfect topper for those times when you know luck is on your side and you want to be sure everyone else in the room is aware of it too. (via Major Spoilers)

Wizards of the Coast released the "Haunted Temples" map pack including three foldout battle maps for D&D. This pack contains three full-color, double-sided, 21” x 30” battle maps with 1-inch scale grids. One map features two exciting, never-before-seen encounter locations: a crumbling cathedral and a haunted chapel with adjoining cemetery. All three maps provide attractive, reusable terrain suitable for any D&D campaign. (via Wizards of the Coast)

Dave Graffam Models released Crane House, a new paper "print and build" model for tabletop gaming that fits into the Rakes Corner line of tabletop printable scenery. (via Daves Games)

Fantasy Flight Games announced that hand-painted Arkham Horror Monster Figures are now available. The figures are designed to work with Fantasy Flight Games' Lovecraftian board game. Each monster's base is designed with a slot to accommodate a monster token from the "Arkham Horror" or "Mansions of Madness" board games. (via Fantasy Flight Games)

Wizards of the Coast announced the April release of limited-edition reprints of the original core rulebooks for the "Monster Manual," "Player's Handbook," and "Dungeon Master's Guide." These premium versions of original D&D rulebooks feature new cover designs. Available in limited quantities as a hobby channel exclusive in North America, proceeds from the books will help support the Gygax Memorial Fund—established to immortalize the “Father of Roleplaying Games” with a memorial statue in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Wizards of the Coast announced the first ever expansion pack to "Dungeons & Dragons Online" (DDO). Developed by Turbine, "Menace of the Underdark," will launch in this summer and will allow players to adventure within the Forgotten Realms setting and the vast subterranean world of the Underdark. The digital expansion will feature new additions like an increased level cap and a new Druid class. (via G4tv)

Wizkids announced the June release of their second major set of Pathfinder Battles miniatures. Pathfinder Battles: Rise of the Runelords Part I will include a range of new figures. The release of the pre-painted Pathfinder Battles: Rise of the Runelords miniatures will support the release of Paizo’s 420-page "Rise of the Runelords" hardcover, which collects and updates six "Pathfinder: Adventure Path" publications (via iCV2)

Did we miss something? Let us know if you come across news you think your fellow geeks need to know about in the comments or on twitter @CNNGeekOut

Soon, diehard players of the iconic “Dungeons and Dragons” role-playing game will be getting a new way to slash orcs and slay dragons.

Mike Mearls, lead designer for D&D at parent company Wizards of the Coast, announced Monday that it is developing a new version of Dungeons and Dragons.

While the details are still to be developed, Mearls said the latest iteration will aim to incorporate the best of its predecessors, along with the varying play styles and different approaches of the players who have loved them.

As such, Mearls said the company will be reaching out to its player base for suggestions.

“We could guess at those play styles, or use our own, but gathering a broad range of input makes sense to us,” he said. “We want to cast as wide a net as possible. We can only deliver on that promise if we give the varied audience of D&D players a chance to kick the tires and let us know if we’re on target.” FULL POST

The game is based around one of D&D’s most well-know characters, Drizzt Do’Urden, a non-archetypal dark elf (a drow ranger in D&D) who has turned his back on the ways of his people. He's also the main character in the "Forgotten Realms" novels by R.A. Salvatore.

The game can be played with up to five people. Wizards envisions people playing the game by taking on the role of Drizzt Do'Urden or one of his famous adventuring companions. According to the company, players will, "battle fearsome foes and win treasure and glory." Who doesn't like treasure and glory? FULL POST

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It takes one to know one. When it comes to topics of interest to nerds, geeks, and superfans, we know how true that is. Geek Out! features stories from a nerd's perspective that you can still share with your "normal" friends and family.